It is still early for me to speak about specific goals I have for the Y, but here are a few things I want to achieve:

1. Grow the Y in such a way that we are able to serve more people of diverse backgrounds in our community. I think we can grow our membership more and I think we can offer programs and other services that serve the needs of the community. I don't know what those are yet, but they will be based upon what the community wants and needs.

2. I would like the Y to be thought of as a community necessity. This encompasses what programs we offer to youth and families, our partnerships with local businesses and organizations, and our collaboration with the city and county. We will be able to accomplish more and serve more if we continue to work together.

3. I want to make sure that the actions we take today and tomorrow make our community better and make the Y better. As a charitable organization, the Y will have its ups and downs, but I want to make sure that I leave the Y in a better position than it is today.

What made you want to come here to this area?

The people is what sold me to take this position. My family I lived in Nevada, MO for several years and loved it. So we knew that coming to a smaller town in Missouri is not a bad thing. The board of directors at the Y was instrumental in making me feel comfortable about the decision to move my family to Boonville.

What do you like about this YMCA and the area?

I love that the Y staff and members feel like a family. Things operate a little less formal than what I am used to, but I see the friendship and openness of our members when they come into the Y. It makes it a really nice place to be.

I like the small town feel of Boonville nestled up against the river. I went running on the trail across the bridge the other weekend and thought it was awesome.

What changes would you like to bring to the area?

I don't think change is the right word, but more opportunities. Something this Y hasn't done, which we will be doing soon is surveying members and others in the community. This information is vital on how others see us and what we can be doing better to serve our community. It is hard to set a path for the Y without all of the information.

How has your experience been here so far.

Love it. My family and I really feel at home. People in the community have been great…really friendly and outgoing. The kids are liking their school and making friends.

Page 2 of 2 - Is there anything you would like to add?

Everyone in Boonville has been very nice and accommodating. I'm just waiting for the weather to be more like Missouri weather and less like Wisconsin weather.